Hyundai adds Active X V6 to Santa Fe line-up

Hyundai has announced the return of V6 power to its Santa Fe line-up, with the new Active X variant now on sale locally from $40,990 before on-road costs.

The new model follows the sales success from late last year of the ‘30’ Special Edition version of the seven-seat large SUV – which also used the all-aluminium Lambda-II petrol engine, but was limited to 300 examples.

As a result, the Korean brand has moved to add the 3.3-litre naturally aspirated V6 powerplant – which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission – as a permanent option for buyers moving forward.

Producing 199kW of power and 318Nm of torque, the front-wheel-drive Santa Fe Active X comfortably out-muscles the 138kW/241Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol and 147kW/440Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel units used by its siblings.

Train-spotters will be able to identify the new variant externally by its 19-inch dark grey alloy wheels shod with 235/55 rubber, chrome exterior door handles, rear privacy glass, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and unique badging.

Meanwhile, interior highlights include a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, tyre pressure monitor and glovebox cooling.

Slotting into the Santa Fe range just above the entry-level manual-equipped Active Petrol ($39,350), the Active X is slightly cheaper than the $42,350 Active Diesel.

A five-star safety rating from ANCAP is shared with the rest of the Santa Fe stable.

Capped-price servicing is also offered as part of Hyundai's Lifetime Service Plan with the 12 month/15,000 kilometres intervals costing $299 each over the first five visits, except for fourth which will set buyers back $399.

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